Seasonal Safety Towing Tips
Hitching Yourself to Safety
Tips for Hauling Your Trailer
By Scott Sittler
Whether it’ s a new purchase or a triedand-true workhorse, knowing how to properly load, connect and tow a trailer can make a big difference in your workflow. It can also save you time, protect your equipment and keep you safe on the road.
Before heading out to pick up your building materials, mulch or heavy equipment, these towing tips and best practices will help you get the job done.
Towing Safety Best Practices
Once your trailer has been properly loaded, there are some general precautions for towing safety to keep in mind. These apply no matter the size of the job or task you’ re up against:
• Avoid distracted driving.
• Do not drive when you are sleepy or fatigued.
• Maintain a speed of 55 miles per hour or less.
• Anticipate stops, brake early and maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you.
• Slow down before you start driving downhill.
• Do not ride your brakes while going downhill.
• Do not use cruise control or overdrive while towing a trailer.
• Avoid sharp turns.
• Ease off the gas pedal and slow your speed to 25 miles per hour in the event that a wheel goes off a paved road, then gradually steer your vehicle and trailer back onto the road.
• Make routine stops to check and retighten lug nuts, check air pressure and that the coupler, safety chains and cargo are still secure.
20 AcreageLife September 2024 AcreageLife. com